Alberta nurses inch closer to strike as talks with province stall over pay and staffing issues

Tensions between the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA) and the provincial government are escalating after another round of negotiations failed to produce a new collective agreement, raising the prospect of a province-wide strike that could impact hospitals across Alberta.

David Harrigan, labour relations director for the UNA, said that while last month’s informal mediation meetings were “productive,” the gap between the two sides remains too wide to bridge.

The union is demanding a 30 per cent wage increase over two years, citing inflation and the rising cost of living, while the Alberta government has offered a 7.5 per cent increase spread over four years. Harrigan said nurses have been working under mounting pressure amid staff shortages and growing patient loads.

Both sides agree that staffing shortages have reached a crisis level, but they remain divided on how to fix the problem. Harrigan said the government has not presented a viable plan to ensure safe working conditions and patient care standards.

Health care advocates in Edmonton and Calgary warn that any labour disruption could strain an already overburdened system, particularly in emergency and long-term care facilities.